Labornet Japan is a network of citizens, unionists, activists, scholars and others from all walks of life to share information especially about rights and struggles in and outside of Japan. Established in 2001, the group now has more than 500 members, and the membership is growing. The English site introduces some reports shared on Labornet Japan website and other sources outside of Japan.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

'Man in front of the court house' given unfair verdict ～ OTAKA Shoji released on completion of sentence～

The decision was handed down at Tokyo
High Court to the “man in front of the court
house--OTAKA Shoji” on Dec. 20. Although the defense team objected to the control of court
proceedings at the beginning and filed motions, “challenge
of the judge,” and protested that the presiding judge, INOUE Hiromichi, turned all of them at the door. After announcing the “dismissal
of the appeal,” he read aloud the
summary of the reasons for 35 minutes. The courtroom spectators couldn’t help but sigh to find many mistakes in the factual finding. At the
press conference after the ruling, the chief Attorney HASEGAWA criticized
severely, “It is worse than the lower court decision.” While Attorney OGUCHI criticized by saying, “It is a virtual trial, entirely in the mind,” KAWAMURA of the defense team said, “It is a foregone conclusion filled with contradictions.”

Although the high court upheld the
sentencing to 1 and half years in prison, Otaka had already been detained for a
year and three months. Because the days spent in pre-sentencing detention is
included into the sentence, the court decided to release him. Walking out of the detention center, he looked in good shape and
said, “I’m a little overweight
due to a lack of exercise. I’m determined to appeal to
the Supreme Court and fight back.” (By M)